CATEGORIES

Plugging Africa's SME Funding Gap

Is Africa different in terms of our financial and funding needs?

Is Lonmin Really Turning The Corner?

The embattled miner’s CEO, Ben Magara, thinks better days may lie ahead for the platinum producer, but analysts remain concerned about cash flow.

Chinese Momentum for Tharisa

Thanks to a boom in chrome prices, the platinum and chrome miner put in a stellar performance last year. Now the company wants to prove it can be profitable throughout the cycle.

Will The PPC-Afrisam Merger Become A Reality?

Local cement companies are under pressure as a contraction has resulted in too much capacity. The two biggest local players hope competition authorities will agree that this warrants their merger.

Bringing SA 's Textiles Industry Back To Life

Butterworth in the Eastern Cape used to be a manufacturing hub in that province. That was until two decades ago, when about 40 large-scale manufacturers closed up shop. The opening of a new cashmere manufacturer recently might be the first sign of a revival for this town.

Recovery Time Where should you put your money?

With american investor sentiment at its highest in 30 years, and an appetite for risk back on the table, some analysts say it is time to “make money”. What is the optimal investment vehicle with which to grow your money?

Is Africa Still A Land Of Opportunity?

With 30% of South Africa’s value-added exports going to the rest of Africa, the fortunes of our economy are closely tied to the state of the continent. But after enjoying years of strong growth, fuelled by the commodity supercycle, many African economies have been struggling with sluggish growth, declining foreign direct investment and rising budget deficits. Is this the end of the ‘Africa Rising’ narrative?

The Rupert Empire

A Lesson in Long-term Strategy

Does The Taxman Help You Save For Retirement?

Tax-free savings products were introduced two years ago while retirement annuities – in some form or another – have been around for decades. How do they measure up in terms of helping you to save for your golden years?

A Mobile Giant Engulfed By Controversies

After a series of missteps, MTN, which operates in 22 countries, has left a bitter taste in the mouths of shareholders, customers and business leaders alike. What will incoming CEO Rob Shuter, who starts work in March, have to do to restore the company’s reputation?

Incentives On The Job, And How They Matter

What would happen in a world where permanent employment was guaranteed? The concept of academic tenure provides an interesting case study.

How To Ride The New Mining Wave

Having recovered financial discipline since the commodity price meltdown in 2012, industry players need to strategise as they face heightened demand in the sector.

Should Robots Be Granted Human Rights?

The number of collaborative robots, or cobots, being put to work in offices everywhere is rising. Korea, for example, has a robot density of 631 units per 10 000 employees. And, increasingly, people are treating these machines like human beings.

New, Imaginative Index Trackers Attract Attention

Backtesting shows they can outperform traditional indices.

Your Guide To Alternative Investments

South African investors are, compared with the US and Europe, under-invested in alternative asset classes. This is partly due to perceived complexity and perceptions of high risk. But, say the experts, returns are adjusted for increased risk. While not easily accessible in South Africa, there are various ways for local investors to increase their exposure to non-equity asset classes.

Banking On Fintech

Banks’ antiquated legacy systems create a business opportunity for fintech companies, believes investment firm Capital Appreciation.

Growth Plans For Pan African?

While the miner is currently working on a new surface tailings plant, what other opportunities exist for expansion? 

The Business Of Rugby

The state of rugby in the country is dire. Spectator numbers are dwindling and sponsors are tightening their belts. But could a new ruling by SA Rugby mean a revival for one of the nation’s most loved sports? 

Vital Part Of SA Economy Still Being Ignored

Although informal trade contributes almost 10% of the country’s GDP, the government does little to support the thousands of South Africans who make a living in this sector, even acting against them in some cases. 

Service Delivers Market To Wumdrop

The success of WumDrop lies in its personalised service, which makes for a convenient courier experience. Co-founder Simon Hartley talks about building this delivery offering.

SA Poultry Industry Playing Foul, Says EU

Marcus Cornaro, the EU ambassador to South Africa, claims that the local poultry industry is struggling as a result of its own doing. But Kevin Lovell, CEO of the SA Poultry Association, says Cornaro has got his facts wrong.

Cash For Your Car 

CarZar is an online platform where South Africans can sell their cars for cash, quickly and conveniently.

How To Ace Your First 100 Days

You have a small window of opportunity to make your mark in a new leadership position. Here’s how to have the best possible start.

Topping A Winning Formula

The sixth-generation VW Polo is larger and sportier-looking than its predecessors.

Why Is Spending Inequality On The Rise?

In the US, spending inequality – the difference in how much households spend at grocery stores – is on the increase. Is technology to blame?

Can A Private Investor Beat Professional Fund Managers?

Not only large fund managers beat benchmarks. Simon Brown discusses two huge advantages a private investor has over such investment firms.

Building Your Offshore Portfolio

Many investors have been rattled by the recent downgrades of South Africa’s credit ratings. However, this does not mean you should just move money out of the country willy-nilly – be sure to weigh up the myriad options carefully before making a move.

The Benefits Of An Offshore Bank Account

An offshore account holds numerous benefits, and it is not as time-consuming, complicated or expensive as you think.

On Margin

I dont currently have anything in pillage & plunder... would you consider investment banking ?

Why History Matters For Entrepreneurs

In order to understand why certain strategies companies used succeeded (or failed), it is vital to have a firm grasp of the times and context in which they came into being.